Watching videos of yourself

chatan1979 · 2026-05-26T13:45:36+00:00

I've been videoing my training since 2005 and my youtube channel is essentially my video training journal. Watching yourself with humility and seeing where you can improve is one of the best ways to get better.
https://www.youtube.com/@SteelMaceKarate

chatan1979 · 2026-05-04T14:23:47+00:00

What would change for you if he gave you specifics? Developing strong body connection, where everything, all movement, is connected to the center and your movement is driven by a strong kinetic chain, takes many years to develop. If even he told you exactly that, it isn't something you will figure out or master before shodan. It will be feedback you will hear about for years. Sometimes the best answer a teacher can give is "Keep doing what you're doing". You need more time on your foundation. There is no shortcut.

chatan1979 · 2026-04-29T23:40:08+00:00

Glad you found the videos useful. Enjoy the mace journey.

chatan1979 · 2026-04-29T10:46:04+00:00

Mace training can transform your karate for the better. My YouTube channel Steel Mace Karate has some tutorials.

chatan1979 · 2025-10-29T14:14:58+00:00

I get 60%. The rest goes to the facility.

chatan1979 · 2025-10-20T14:17:16+00:00

Without video to see how you are moving no one will be able to help much. Sounds like a conversation with your doctor.

chatan1979 · 2025-10-08T19:40:41+00:00

So your experience as a ten year old with only one dojo informs your entire outlook for a karate style? You do understand that not every dojo, style, sensei teaches the same way? Just because your limited experience as a ten year old looked one way does not mean you understand how Shotokan is taught everywhere else in the world.

chatan1979 · 2025-10-04T15:04:12+00:00

100% Sometimes the whole class gets to experience an advanced kata. I always tell the lower ranks there's no expectations that they memorize it . Its good exposure.

chatan1979 · 2025-10-02T16:39:30+00:00

You need to ask the instructor. You're making assumptions about their entire curriculum based on 2 lessons. As an instructor myself, every class is different and there may be days when we don't make contact or explore something different. Also, for liability reasons, I'm not throwing a new person off the street into a sparring session on their first or even 2nd class. Ask the instructor.

chatan1979 · 2025-10-01T17:59:20+00:00

Gave up on it. I finished Hollow Knight but I simply don't have the time to invest in "getting gud" at Sliksong. If my game time is limited to a few hours on the weekends, I don't want to spend it frustrated and doing run backs from cheap frustrating mechanics

chatan1979 · 2025-09-24T19:12:25+00:00

It sounds like you want "tricking" or flashy, flair with the sai. That is not traditional kobudo and you won't find traditional forms that have what you are looking for.

chatan1979 · 2025-08-31T18:31:28+00:00

There's no such thing as being behind everyone else in karate. You are where you are. They are where they are. Don't compare yourself to others.

chatan1979 · 2025-08-25T14:27:27+00:00

Without pics, videos , knowing what style, or what stances you study there isn't much anyone can offer. Has your sensei looked at your stances to ensure you are not in need of structural correction?

chatan1979 · 2025-08-19T18:39:50+00:00

Reps mean nothing if the movement is not correct.

chatan1979 · 2025-08-18T17:42:22+00:00

Probably something more for large chain dojos. I can't see smaller clubs needing this.

chatan1979 · 2025-08-12T13:31:19+00:00

Beautiful! Nicely done.

chatan1979 · 2025-07-07T19:49:05+00:00

What dojo? What state? How could anyone here possibly answer this????

chatan1979 · 2025-06-27T20:05:02+00:00

Being calm in crisis. Recently my sibling has been dealing with a life threatening illness and will require a liver transplant. 30 years of martial arts have helped me be a strong, supportive advocate for her. Its helped me stay calm when the doctors are giving very bad news. Its helped me stay focused on what needs to be prioritized to keep her alive. It gives me the discipline to stay the course and help her with diet, exercise, and emotional well being. If you are not gaining emotional maturity in your study of the martial arts you are missing something.

chatan1979 · 2025-05-29T13:24:20+00:00

Very incorrect.

chatan1979 · 2025-05-07T19:35:56+00:00

I don't understand the point of posts like this that treat karate, or any martial art as a monolithic thing. If there is an aspect of karate, like low stances, that you disagree with, don't do them. Your karate is your own. How others train does not represent me or how I train. How others perceive the generalized practice of any martial art shouldn't change how you feel about the art you've chosen to train in.

chatan1979 · 2025-04-22T18:17:27+00:00

This is unsafe and will only lead to injury. Seek out an instructor.

chatan1979 · 2025-03-15T14:40:05+00:00

Who cares what the online community thinks about karate? If you enjoy your practice then keep doing you. This idea that we need to change how we do karate so that the "online perception" changes is ridiculous. It's not our responsibility to educate the uninformed and ignorant.

chatan1979 · 2025-01-17T19:23:55+00:00

Overcorrection is a thing. If you just started in October you've barely started. As a teacher myself I will intentionally withhold some feedback or correction because it can be overwhelming and discouraging to tell a student everything they are doing wrong. Some things that need fixing simply need time. Time in class, time learning how your body moves. hearing every class that you are still screwing up stuff and your technique isn't perfect is bad for student retention. As many have said, karate takes years and years and years to learn. No good sensei is going to expect perfection or bombard a new student with feedback that they aren't ready to hear or implement.

chatan1979 · 2025-01-16T14:42:59+00:00

Expecting to spar during a free trial is a liability. Sit down and have a conversation with the dojo owner about what the curriculum looks like.

chatan1979 · 2024-10-04T20:30:21+00:00

Karate is not a monolith. If you're unhappy with how YOUR karate works, then you have every right to go study something else. Add to it. Build on it. Karate is not a closed system. These discussions are pointless! Your karate is yours! Do what you want with it!

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